This recipe has a long history, and goes back several decades. My mom made a wonderful split pea soup when I was growing up, and over the years, I tweaked her recipe, removing all animal products and added oils. Now it’s simple as can be, and incredibly delicious. I usually make this in a slow cooker, which requires no babysitting at all. But you can simmer it on the stove. We typically turn this soup into a hearty Sunday dinner, adding whole grain pasta, cooked greens, or diced potatoes to our bowls. This makes a big pot of stick-to-the-ribs soup, and you’ll find there’s plenty for a few extra bowls during the week.